The cut-off date for the Beef Efficiency Scheme (BES) has been extended from its original date of Friday, 15 July to Sunday, 31 July to allow more time for farmers and crofters to complete their calving data on the ScotEID website.

BES has been designed to assist with the development of suckler herds in Scotland to become more efficient.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Scotland said it was aware that some people had had issues with the application process, and had communicated this back to the Scottish government.

“We welcome this extension to the data submission deadline. However, we encourage farmers to not to delay in uploading the information,” said Charlie Adam, NFU Scotland’s livestock committee chairman.

“It is important this extension does not lead to a delay in notification for which calves are to be tissue-tested.

“We know of a small number of applicants who have had problems uploading information, and we have relayed this back, but the majority, including myself, have had no problems in doing so. NFU Scotland recognises that some of these problems have been resolved by Scottish Government but we understand there are others that are still being looked at.”

The union has put forward a number of suggestions as to how the scheme can be improved. This includes: adjustment to allow for a payment on animals in expanding herds and new herds; extending the payment from three years to five years; tissue-testing tags to be on-farm by the end of August; and clear and proportionate penalties.

“We have also relayed that there is a need for further opportunities for more herds to participate in the scheme in order to encourage an increased participation,” added Adam.

“Members who are having problems with BES applications data input should contact their local Rural Payments and Inspection Division’s Entitlements and Payments office.”